B. Assessment

Question 1

B. Assessment

Describe Behavior in Observable Measurable Terms

Answer 1

Operational Definition: Detailed definition of the behavior in observable terms. Must be thorough enough that any person can read it and understand what the behavior is and begin collecting data on the behavior.

• Objective. Operational definitions only include directly observable aspects of behavior (e.g. hitting), not un-observable internal states (e.g. frustration)
• Clear. Operational definition should be unambiguous. Anyone, without any prior knowledge of the behavior, should be able to understand the definition. A good test is that a person who has never seen the behavior can “act it out” from the definition.

Question 2

B. Assessment

B-01 Defining Behavior

Answer 2

Behavior is defined as anything a person says or does. If you can see it, hear it, or feel it, it is considered behavior. Behavior has to have the ability to be observed to be measured. If you cannot observe it, it is not behavior.
Examples of Behavior:
* Screaming
* Throwing
* Biting
* Writing
* Getting out of seat